Sen. Mark Kolterman

District 24

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As the first couple of weeks of the new legislative session winds down, I would like to introduce you to a bill that I am deeply honored to carry this year on behalf of the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

This year, I introduced LB 1084, a bill that supports a transformational project that, if successfully implemented, will be a game-changer for the State of Nebraska and its economy. I am joined in support of this bill with 31 of my colleagues, an indication of how this project adheres with the goals of creating high-skill, high-demand, high-wage jobs and growing our state.

The Nebraska Transformational Project, commonly referred to as the NExT, project, allows for significant expansion to the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Nebraska Medicine through a joint partnership with the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security. Both Nebraska Medicine and UNMC currently employ thousands of skilled employees, educate our health care providers, and advance scientific research.

In recent years, the University of Nebraska Medical Center has become a much bigger player in national conversations. Recently, UNMC has cared for patients suffering from the Ebola virus in one of the nation’s few Biocontainment Units and has brought in tens of millions of dollars in grant dollars to support training and facilities on ways to manage infectious diseases and sharing its expertise globally.

Based on a preliminary estimate of this $2.6 billion public-private investment, a Tripp Umbach study conservatively reports that the NExT initiative will create a total economic impact of $7.6 billion during construction of the project, over the next decade. The project could generate employment directly and indirectly for 41,655 Nebraska workers over the next decade which includes nearly 33,000 construction-related jobs and 8,700 permanent jobs. An estimated $211.8 million in state tax revenue over that 10-year period would also be created. This would be in addition to local government tax revenue. By adding an additional $1.3 billion annually to the state economy when the project is fully operational in 2030, conservatively generating $38.2 million in annual state tax revenue.

I am honored to sponsor LB1084 with the support of at least 31 of my other colleagues because this is a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity for us to catapult Nebraska into the national and international scene, boost our economy and further position us to be a world leader in infectious disease and all-hazards training and response.

As always, if we can be of assistance to you in any way, please do not hesitate to contact my office. My door is open and I have made it a goal to be accessible to the constituents of our district. Please stop by any time. My e-mail address is mkolterman@leg.ne.gov, and the office phone number is 402-471-2756. Tyler and Katie are always available to assist you with your needs. If I am not immediately available, please do not hesitate to work with them to address any issues that you may need assistance. Please continue to follow me on Facebook at Kolterman for Legislature and on Twitter at @KoltermanforLegislature.